AIIMS Bathinda has achieved a significant milestone in stem cell therapy research, with successful preliminary tests aimed at treating heart ailments. This development offers a promising alternative to traditional cardiac treatments, potentially providing faster recovery and reduced side effects for patients.
Stem Cell Culture Facility
The biochemistry department at AIIMS Bathinda has established a state-of-the-art stem cell culture facility. This facility is dedicated to isolating and cultivating stem cells from umbilical cords obtained from in-house patients. The goal is to develop cell-based therapeutic solutions for various cardiac conditions.
Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Dean of AIIMS Bathinda, highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting that the facility is only the second of its kind among AIIMS institutions, following Delhi. "This marks a crucial step in advancing regenerative medicine. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, offering immense potential for organ failure treatment and tissue repair," Dr. Pathak stated. He also mentioned that the procedure awaits final regulatory approval before clinical application.
The project is supported by the Union Government’s Department of Science and Technology under the Core Research Grant (CRG) scheme, demonstrating a national commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.
Standardizing Protocols for Cardiac Care
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, associate professor of biochemistry and lead researcher, reported significant progress in standardizing protocols for heart disease treatment using stem cells. "Our facility has not only succeeded in isolating and culturing stem cells but has also introduced pharmacological preconditioning—a technique using drugs to protect heart tissues during reperfusion. This prevents damage when blood flow is restored to blocked regions of the heart," Dr. Kumar explained.
Pharmacological preconditioning involves using specific drugs to enhance the heart's resilience to ischemia-reperfusion injury, a common complication in cardiac interventions. This approach, combined with stem cell therapy, aims to improve overall cardiac function and reduce long-term damage.
Clinical Application and Validation
While the initial results are encouraging, Dr. Kumar emphasized the need for national-level validation before clinical application. "It may take about a year to receive the necessary approvals to move forward with clinical applications of this therapy," he added.
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, medical superintendent and head of cardiothoracic surgery, described stem cell therapy as a potentially revolutionary approach to treating heart conditions. "Compared to surgical procedures or organ transplants, stem cell therapy offers several advantages—such as faster recovery, minimal side effects, and reduced risk of disease transmission. However, thorough validation and meticulous research are essential before we can implement this therapy widely," he said.
With ischemic heart disease and stroke causing 17.4 million fatalities annually worldwide, according to WHO data, AIIMS Bathinda’s research could offer a life-saving solution. If successful, this project could transform cardiac care and regenerative medicine, providing non-invasive treatment options for numerous patients.
